Themed gardens allow you to create a creative space with a specific purpose.
There’s no one right way to create a garden, and with endless options available, it’s possible to change the design of your garden every year for a lifetime and never run out of ideas. I’ve noticed that themed gardens have become especially popular in recent years, but while you’re probably already familiar with popular themes like Japanese and butterfly gardens, there are plenty more creative ideas to try in your backyard. Why not give one of these a shot this year?
Shakespeare Garden
One of my all-time favorite garden themes is Shakespeare-inspired. A Shakespeare garden contains plants that have been mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare. To pay homage to the famous English poet and playwright, incorporate plants such as roses, daffodils, lavender, pansies, poppies, or violets.
Herbal Tea Garden
An herbal tea garden is a garden consisting of ingredients for delicious teas. Herbal teas, also known as tisanes, can be made from the flowers, leaves, seeds, or sometimes even the roots of herbs. Some of the most favored herbs for creating teas include basil, chamomile, fennel, lemon balm, lavender, sage, and rosemary. Once the herbs are ready, making tea is a cinch. Simply pour boiling water over crushed herbs and allow it to steep for a few minutes before straining.
Alphabet Garden for Kids
The garden is a great place to help your child practice their letters and words. There are a number of different alphabet garden themes to try, such as creating the first letter of your child’s name using flowers. One of the most popular alphabet garden themes involves incorporating plants that begin with each letter of the alphabet. For example, plant aster for “A,” baby’s breath for “B,” “cosmos for “C,” and so on. Insert plant name stakes into the ground and encourage your child to read through the alphabet.
Evening Garden
Evening gardens offer adults an escape from their busy day-to-day lives. While there is no right or wrong way to create an evening garden, the space should be comfortable and encourage rest and relaxation. As you’ll be spending time in the garden in the evening hours, ensure that all walkways are well-lit and level for walking.
You’ll also want to include an area near your garden where you can sit and enjoy the views. A cozy bench, patio table with chairs, or even a hammock can offer a place to unwind. In the garden, plant flowers that emit a relaxing scent, such as lavender or jasmine. You may also want to incorporate a water feature, such as a fountain. There’s nothing more calming than the sound of cascading water.
Apothecary Garden
Apothecary gardens have been used for centuries for medicinal purposes. Today, you can create your own apothecary garden that consists of plants and herbs that serve as remedies and treatments. Some of the most common apothecary plants include sage, yarrow, spearmint, evening primrose, and peppermint. But be careful: Never use any herb or plant to treat a medical condition without first consulting a doctor.